Coming off an MCL sprain he sustained in the recent playoffs, Khris Middleton will be returning this season. But will he play the first game?
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A top contender to win the east, the Milwaukee Bucks will be facing one of their biggest threats in the Sixers tonight. They open their season with a road game as they head to Philadelphia. Both teams boast big names headlining their roster Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Joel Embiid, and James Harden.
The Sixers prepare for their home game after losing to the Celtics in the season opener. The superstar duo of Embiid and Harden combined for 61-points, with the latter looking in great shape. On the other hand, the Bucks have the Greek Freak by their side, touted to be the current best player on the planet.
Nonetheless, the burning question for the Bucks remains the availability of forward Khris Middleton. The 2021 NBA champion suffered an MCL sprain during the first-round matchup against the Bulls in the 2022 playoffs, after which he was declared unavailable for the rest of the playoffs.
As per the latest reports, Middleton has fully recovered from his MCL sprain. However, the three-time All-Star had to undergo wrist surgery in July, due to an injury he sustained during the All-Star break.
Is Khris Middleton making his comeback tonight against the Sixers?
During the media day, Middleton had hinted at missing the first few weeks of the season. Nonetheless, Bucks fans remained hopeful. Unfortunately, their wishes weren’t answered, with the latest report suggesting that the 31-year-old needs to wait it out for some time. Thus it is unlikely he will feature in the Bucks’ season opener.
Middleton’s absence is set to hurt the Bucks, proof being their semi-finals exit against the Celtics. Despite Giannis putting up phenomenal numbers, it wasn’t enough to get the Bucks past the hook.
The Bucks need Middleton to contend for a championship.
It’s no secret the crucial role Middleton played in securing the Bucks a championship in 2021. The former Texas A&M player is a great contributor to the offense, taking the load off the Greek Freak.
In his 10-seasons so far, Middleton has averaged 17.1 PPG, 4.9 RPG, and 3.8 APG, shooting close to 40% from the 3-point line. Nevertheless, Bucks fans need not worry too much as Giannis and co can hold the fort till his Robin returns to the hardwood.
